Compressed gas-operated shooting weapon

ABSTRACT

The invention discloses a compressed gas-operated firearm (1), especially a pistol, which at the utilization of a drum (18) for multi-shot projectile receipt distinguishes itself through a linearly displaceable weapon barrel (3) to achieve a loading position, or, respectively, firing position, and through a trigger (4) which is automatically secured against actuation in the loading position. Furthermore, a new type of valve system (25) is proposed for the impulse-like emission of the compressed gas upon the discharge of a shot.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a compressed gas-operated firearm,particularly a pistol.

2. Discussion of the Prior Art

A firearm of that type is known from the disclosure of U.S. Pat. No.5,160,795. This known firearm possesses a frame on which there isarranged the weapon barrel. Furthermore, there is provided a drum orammunition cylinder for the receipt of projectiles or, respectively,firing bodies, which is installed on the barrel arrangement so as to berotatable about its own axis. The axis of rotation of the drum extendsin parallel with the longitudinal axis of the weapon barrel. Therotational movement and the adjustment of the drum is undertaken throughthe intermediary of a lever system which stands in operative connectionwith the trigger system of the firearm. The weapon barrel, together withthe drum and the lever system is pivotable upwardly through a forwardaxis out of the frame for the assumption of the loading position. Inthis outwardly pivoted position, the drum can be reloaded with newprojectiles.

The pivoting procedure of the barrel arrangement out of the frame is notwithout problems, inasmuch as the arrangements of the lever system andthe drum which are outwardly swung together therewith, on the one hand,must be maintained in a precisely fitted position and, on the otherhand, must be constructed in such a manner that the outward pivoting ofthe system components from the operative position in which they arelinearly oriented in the firing position, must be possible withoutdamaging the components and without adversely influencing theirfunctioning. As a result, such a construction becomes technicallycomplex. Moreover, there must be worried the occurrence of losses in gaspressure, which react negatively on the firing power of the firearm.

From the same U.S. Patent Publication No. 5,160,795 and also U.S. Pat.No. 5,400,536 there is known a valve system for a firearm of that type,which is inserted into the frame behind the barrel arrangement. Thisvalve system possesses a valve member which is sealed at its endsurfaces, and which receives a longitudinally movably guided valveshaft. The chamber about the valve shaft stands in communication with acompressed gas cartridge. The valve shaft possesses a rearwardprotrusion which is contacted by the hammer of the firearm. The forwardend surface of the valve shaft acts on a spring-supported protrusionwhich by means of a conical contact surface contacts the bore opening ofthe drum. The valve shaft stands under the action of a compressionspring and is moved forwardly impulse like through the hammer of thefirearm upon actuation of the trigger from its sealing contact, in viewof which there are opened passageways for the gas or air pressure. Thisentire valve arrangement is again technically complex due to its largenumber of interfitted components, which is required by the pivotingarrangement of the weapon barrel with the inserted drum.

Through the disclosure of German DE 29 38 600 C2, there has beendisclosed a firing pin safety for a hand-held firearm or handgun. Thishandgun is constructed as a pistol and possesses a barrel and apparentlylinearly slidable carriage. On the weapon barrel there is pivotablysupported a trigger in opposition to the force of a spring, whichconcurrently actuates a latching arrangement which engages into theforward traveling path of the firing pin.

Commencing from the above-mentioned state-of-the-art, it is an object ofthe present invention to provide a compressed gas-operated firearm ofthe above mentioned type, which by means of relatively few andtechnically simple assembly and system components affords a secure andsimple handling and functioning of the firearm.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In accordance with the object of the invention, the significant featurescan be ascertained in that the compressed gas-operated firearm which isknown from the state of the technology possesses a linearly displaceablebarrel arrangement so as to be able to come from the firing positioninto the loading position and conversely. Hereby, by means of a furtheressential feature there is ensured that the trigger of the firearm isautomatically latched in the loading position. As is detailedhereinbelow, it has been ascertained in a surprising manner that thelinear displaceability of the barrel arrangement, and the drum which isresultingly releasable from the barrel, lead to simple system componentsand concurrently to a higher firing power at optimum weapon safety.

The displacement of the weapon barrel into the loading position of thefirearm is effected through spring force, as soon as the latching leveron the breech mechanism of the firearm is manually pivoted into theunlatched position. Consequently, there is concurrently drawn the axleout of the drum, which is then simply removable for reloading from theweapon frame or respectively, breech mechanism. The pulling out of thedrum axle now causes that the first arm of the double-armed lever swingsradially into the theoretical center of the axis. As a result thereof,the second arm is automatically moved into axial path of movement of theslider, whereby the entire trigger system is blocked.

Inasmuch as the barrel arrangement is linearly displaceable, the sealingof the valve system is also relatively simple with regard to the drum.The hollow cylindrical valve stem lies with its forward end surface inthe firing position due to the impulse at the discharge of a shotdirectly sealingly against the facing bore opening of the drum. This iseffected in a sensible manner through the utilization of the releasedcompressed gas. Particular constructive prerequisites for achieving asealing are not necessary at the end surface of the stem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

In the drawing, there is illustrated an example of the invention;wherein:

FIG. 1 shows the compressed gas-operated firearm in a side view;

FIG. 2 shows the firearm in the secured and unstressed condition inaccordance with the detail II from FIG. 1, shown in a cross-sectionalview;

FIG. 3 illustrates the firearm in the firing position in accordance withthe detail II from FIG. 1;

FIG. 4 illustrates the secured position of the trigger at an assumedloading position of the firearm, shown in cross-section;

FIG. 5 illustrates the firearm in a sectional view taken along line V--Vin FIG. 4;

FIG. 6 illustrates the valve system of the firearm, shown incross-section.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF A PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

The compressed gas-operated pistol 1 consists essentially of the breechblock 2 (also referred to as a frame), the weapon barrel 3 arranged inthe breech block, the trigger system 4 and the grip member or hand grip5. The forward part 6 of the breech block 2 which receives the weaponbarrel 3 is linearly axially displaceable from a loading position into afiring position and conversely. In the view represented in FIG. 1, thefirearm 1 is in the closed position, which corresponds to the firingposition. The breech block lever 7 is located in the latched position. Adownward pivoting of the breech block lever 7 about the axis 8 leads toan unlatching, and thereby to the loading position of the firearm 1, inwhich the weapon barrel 3 is slid outwardly with the support of a springforce forwardly over the mouth of the barrel 9, as illustrated in FIG.1.

The securing of the firearm 1 is effected through a safety lever 10,which in the illustrated position brings a firing pin or strikes 11 intothe line of action between the hammer or cock 12 and the stem 13 (inFIG. 6: bolt 57) or, respectively, the valve stem 55 towards the valvesystem 25, which corresponds to the firing position "F". A manualswinging about of the safety lever 10 downwardly into the position "S"rotates the firing pin or striker 11 from the upwardly described line ofaction into the secured position.

By means of a handle shell knob 14, the gripping shell of the gripmember 5 can be opened, and which there is located a compressed gascartridge or a capsule 15 with, for example, CO₂ gas. In this instance,there can also be utilized other suitable gases and air under acorresponding pressure.

In a usual manner, the firearm 1 possess a sight 16 on the forwardweapon barrel part and a sighting viewer 17 on the rear frame part whichis in alignment with the sight 16.

FIG. 2 now illustrates the unstressed and secured firearm 1 shown incross-section. In order to disclose all of the functions and system inone representation, in the sectional representation, the essentialcomponents are illustrated superimposed on each other, and arerecognizable and separated from each other only through the differentkinds of drawing lines. To that extent, this sectional representation isa simplified, schematic illustration for an improved understanding ofthe interrelationships. In particular, the control arm 35 is clearlyascertainably illustrated and emphasized, without consideration beinggiven to its actual position, which is partly covered by otherconstructional components.

In the forward breech block part 6, the weapon barrel 3 can beascertained with inserted O-ring 63, which at its end surface bordersagainst the drum 18. Thereby, the bore 19 of the drum 18 is orientedexactly coaxially relative to the barrel bore 21 for the receipt ofprojectiles or firing bodies 20. The drum 18 is rotatably arranged aboutan axle 22 which is inserted in the inner part. The axle bolt 22, upondisplacement of the weapon barrel 3, is drawn out from the centralbearing bore of the drum 18. At the rearward end surface of the drum 18there are arranged drive elements 23, for example, a crown of gear teethor the like. Behind the drum 18 there is located the space 24 for theinsertion of a valve system 25, which is explained further hereinbelowin conjunction with FIG. 6.

The trigger 4 is pivotable about the axis 27 in the direction of arrow28 within the trigger housing 26. The trigger 4 has a free, short arm29, which is operatively connected by means of the linkage 30 with aslider 31 which is movable along essentially a linear path. The along ofthe slider 31 is hereby carried out along the path of motion 32 of theshort arm 29 of the trigger 4. Introduced into the slider 31 is a curvedtrack 33 into which a bolt 34 is slidingly inserted, which articulatedlyreceives a control arm 35. This control arm 35 at its free end standsunder the pressure of a spring 36, and engages into the drive elements23 of the drum 18 so as to produce a stepwise rotational movement of thedrum 18. For this purpose, tip of the free end of the control arm on 35is correspondingly configured.

The slider 31 possesses an adjusting edge 37 or 38, above, respectively,the linkage 34 and above the curved track 33 and both of which edges arearranged at a spacing from each other, which affords that always oneadjusting edge 37 or, respectively 38, engages in the end positions ofthe slider 31 into corresponding adjusting recesses 39 arranged at thecircumference of the drum 18. The adjusting recesses 39 are presentlylocated between the drum bores 19, and in cooperation with the adjustingedges 37 or, respectively 38 of the slider 31, cause that after theeffected rotation of the drum 18 through the control arm 35, there isassumed an exact coaxial position between the drum bore 19 and theweapon barrel bore 21 in the firing position.

Through the actuation of the trigger 4 in the direction of arrow 28, theslider 31 is moved forwardly, as a result of which the bolt 34 slides inthe curved track 33, and guides the control arm 35 upwardly. Since thetip of the control arm 34 is located in a corresponding radial distancefrom the longitudinal axis 40 of the drum axle 22, the upward movementof the control arm 35 produces a step-wise rotational movement of thedrum 18 on the axle bolt 22.

Moreover, a trigger rod 41 is operatively connected with the trigger 4,and which in turn stands with the hammer 12 in a ratchet connection. Thehammer 12, in turn, stands under the force of a spring 42, which impartsan acceleration to the hammer 12 which is pivotable about axis 43 in thedirection towards the firing pin 11. A further spring 44 and an elbowspring extending about axis 27 act in opposition to the movement of thetrigger 4.

The firing pin 11 is swung out of the line of action of the hammer 12 bymeans of the safety lever 10 and thereby finds itself in the safetyposition "S". Concurrently, the hammer 12 together with the trigger rod41 is in an unstressed condition. The springs 42 and 44 and the elbowspring extending about axis 27 are located in an idle position.

A double-armed lever 45 is pivotable about an axial bolt 46 which isstationarily arranged in the trigger housing 26 of the firearm 1 up tospecified end positions under the force of a spring 50. A first arm 48lies under spring force radially against the drum axle 22, as isillustrated in FIG. 5. In this position, the second arm 49 is locatedoutside of the path of movement of the slider 31. The trigger system is,as a result, freely actuatable.

FIG. 3 illustrates the compressed gas-operated firearm 1 in the firingposition "F". The trigger 4 has been moved in accordance with thedirection of arrow 28. As a result thereof, the slider 31 was forwardlymoved. The control arm 35 was upwardly guided in the curved track 33 andhas rotated the drum 18 further by one step, as a result of which a newdrum bore 19 (for example, with an inserted projectile) has been broughtinto aligned position with the weapon barrel bore 21. This position isnow precisely adjusted through the engagement of the adjusting edge 38into the adjusting recesses 39 of the drum 18. The springs 42 and 44 andthe elbow spring extending about axis 27 are tensioned. The hammer 12finds itself in the outwardly pivoted striking position. The striker orfiring pin 11 lies within the line of action between hammer 12 and thevalve stem 55. The trigger rod 41 is taken out of the ratchetconnection, so there can be effected the discharge of a shot.

FIGS. 4 and 5 clarify the automatic latching of the trigger 4, when thefirearm 11 assumes the loading position. In this loading position, thebarrel 3 is slid forwardly by means of a spring force after the releaseof the latching engagement by the breech block lever 7, so that the drum18, for purpose of reloading with projectiles 20, can be withdrawn fromthe trigger housing 26, inasmuch as through the movement of the barrel 3forwardly, the axle bolt 22 of the drum 18 which is connected therewithis similarly pushed forwardly. The first arm 48 of the double-armedlever 45, due to the effective force of the spring 50 which, on the oneside supports itself on the second arm 49 and on the other side fixedlyin the trigger housing 26, swings radially into the longitudinal axis 40of the drum 18. This is only then possible when the axle bolt 22 ismoved out of the drum 18 and radially lies against the first arm 48 inthe firing position. The second arm 49 is swung inwardly about the bolt46 into the path of movement of the slider 31. As a result, there isblocked any movement of the slider 31, which by means of a rearward nose51 stands against the arm 49. The blocking of the slider 31 acts on thetrigger 4 due to the interconnection of the elements whereby in thisloading position of the firearm 1 the trigger cannot be actuated.

The acceleration of the projectile 20 is effected upon the discharge ofa shot in the firing position through a high impulse, which acts impactor sudden-like against the projectile 20. A CO₂ capsule 50 is connectedin a known manner to a valve system 25. The valve system 25 consists ofa valve housing 52, through the opening in the bottom of which there isconducted a hollow-cylindrical valve stem 55, which is sealed by meansof a disk 53 with an O-ring 54. The forward end surface of the valvestem 55 is aligned with the drum bore 19 which is arranged in the firingposition. An absolutely tightly sealed contact of this end surface isnot necessary outside of the discharge of a shot.

At its head end, the opening of the valve housing 52 is closed by athreaded nut 56 which possesses a central bore through which a bolt 55is conducted so as to be longitudinally movable. The inside of thethreaded nut 56 receives a ring seal 58. The valve stem 55 possesses aconical widening 59 at the end thereof facing towards the threaded nut56, and lies sealingly with the end of the outer edge of the widening 59against the ring seal 58. A spring 60 which encompasses the valve stem55 supports itself, at one side, at the bottom of the valve housing 52,and on the other side on the conical widening 59 of the valve stem 55;whereby there is attained the sealing contact of the valve stem 55 onthe ring seal 58. From the CO₂ capsule 15 a passageway 61 leads into thecompressed gas chamber 62 of the valve housing 52, so that in thischamber 62 there reigns a constant gas pressure from the CO₂ capsule 15.

Upon the discharge of a shot, the hammer 12 strikes in a describedmanner against the firing pin 11. From the latter, the striking effectis transmitted directly to the valve stem 55. The valve stem 55 releasesitself for a short period of time from the sealed contact against thering seal 58, whereby the gas flows sudden-like into the interior spaceof the valve stem 55, and impulse-like acts on the projectile 20. In theinstance of the effective gas impulse, the forward end surface of thevalve stem 55 lies sealingly against the drum 18 at an alignment withthe drum bore 19. Due to the valve system this sealing contact is causedby the effective gas in connection with the sudden impulse. This valvesystem 25 allows for a secure single shot and also the discharge of aseries of shots without any essentially adverse influence over thefiring power.

What is claimed is:
 1. Compressed gas-operated firearm, including aweapon frame or breech block and a weapon barrel arranged thereon,further including a drum having bores arranged in an annular ring forthe receipt of projectile bodies, which is rotatably arranged about anaxis in parallel with the longitudinal axis of the barrel and for therotation thereof and precise alignment of a bore with the bore of thebarrel is actuated by a lever system which is in operative connectionwith the trigger of the firearm, characterized in that the weapon barrel(3) is arranged linearly longitudinally displacable in the breech block(2) between a firing position and a loading position in a known manner,the trigger (4) which is pivotable about an axis (27) is articulatedlyconnected with a slider (31) which has a curved track (33) in which acontrol arm (35) is slidingly inserted, which at the free end thereofstands under a spring force acting on drive elements (23) of the drum(18) in the context of providing a rotational force, the slider (31) inthe firing position of the firearm engaging adjustingly into adjustingrecesses (39) on the circumference of the drum (18) and which arearranged between the drum bores (19), and in the loading position, thetrigger (4) is automatically latched against actuation.
 2. Compressedgas-operated firearm according to claim 1, characterized in that a firstarm (48) of a double-armed lever (45) which is pivotable about an axisstands under a spring force radially against the axle (22) of the drum(18), whereas the second arm (49) in the loading position engages intothe path of movement of the lever system (4, 31, 35, 41) which isconnected with the trigger (4).
 3. Compressed gas-operated firearmaccording to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that there is provided abreech block lever (7) which is arranged on the breech block (2) so asto be pivotable about an axis (8) and which unlatches the barrel (3)under a spring force in the firing position.
 4. Compressed gas-operatedfirearm according to claim 1, characterized in that the drum bore (19)in the firing position of the drum 18, is sealingly contacted by acoaxially arranged hollow-cylindrical valve stem 55 which is movableopposite force of a valve spring (60) into a valve member (52) from anidle position into the firing position, whereby the valve body (52) isconnectable with an arrangement (15) for the delivery of compressed gasor compressed air.
 5. Compressed gas-operated firearm according to claim4, characterized in that a firing pin (11) which is actuated by thehammer (12) of the firearm (1) acts impulse-like opposite the force ofthe valve spring (60) on the valve stem (55).
 6. Compressed gas-operatedfirearm according to claim 4 or 5, characterized in that the valve stem(55) in the idle or, respectively, loading position, due to spring forcecontacts an end seal arrangement (58) of the valve body (52), whichcloses a chamber (62) which is filled with gas or air.